Paestum

Paestum was founded in the seventh century by the Greeks with the ancient name of Poseidonia. This site was known above all for its large Doric temples, which have made it one of the most famous archeological sites of Campania.

The most interesting testimonies that constitute the architectural complex of Magna Greece are 3. The first is The Temple of Athena, known in the past as the temple of Ceres.

This temple consisted of pronaos with eight columns headed by ionic capitals, of which only two capitals remain (the oldest ionic style found in Italy).

The second is Temple of Hera, also called the “Basilica”, which was the biggest temple that the Greeks constructed entirely from rock.

Finally, the Temple of Neptune, which according to some, was really dedicated to Hera. This is considered the perfect example of Doric temple architecture both in Italy and in Greece.

All exhibits of priceless historical and artistic value found at the site of Paestum are conserved in the National Archeological Museum, including the painted slabs of the so called tomb of diver (Tomba del Tuffatore), the only example of painting from the Greek period of Magna Greece.

Paestum is of some distance from Sorrento and accordingly we recommend choosing an organised tour that offers the possibility of visiting also the city of Salerno and the surrounding areas all in the same day.